Database Info

[Q] Why a Keyboard / trackpad?

The transformer priced at 399 looks interesting,
But what's the point of a trackpad/ keyboard with android ?
I could see if when you docked it , it became a win7 netbook, and models like that are coming, but why the interest in a trackpad/keyboard for honeycomb?

For extended text entry using the polaris suite of apps and also for the extra battery life.
I don't plan on bringing the keyboard dock with me everywhere but I definitely see me using it when I'm out of the office with work or on a client site.

I plan on using VNC for applications I use for composing music - precision is very important in them, so trackpad should be very useful. I don't care much for they keyboard dock though - if not for the USB ports and battery I would probably settle for bluetooth mouse and keyboard.

Netbooks are mostly only used for the internet and typing up documents, both of which honeycomb is fine for. The transformer gives you the functionality of both a tab and a netbook in one device.

For me the main use is when using RDP to remote desktop into server.
You can use the onscreen keyboard for this, but it's a pain in the proverbial. I could use a bluetooth keyboard (and do with my Galaxy Tab from time to time), but this has the advantage of being pretty much full size and the extra battery/ports wouldn't go amiss either.
Regards,
Dave

I think its a good idea because now you get to make programs that will use the trackpad. Good for all of us.
I want a good MMo/Rpg's or FPS's that utalizes the trackpad. For example a good gameloft game like Sandstorm...

Hmm this is a good point, I just assumed honeycomb would have cursor support. Is this not the case? I'd like to be able to use a cursor in the OS when it's docked.

I've found the Xoom to be good for everything but long-form writing. I do a great deal of that late at night and in bed, and with my HP Envy notebook (which is overkill for just writing) I need to position a tray, listen to the fan running, etc.
With the Asus, I'll have a device that's good for long-form writing, lasts 16 hours (or probably much, much more with less intensive work), has essentially a hefty portable battery for recharging the tablet on the go, is absolutely silent and runs very cool, doesn't necessarily need a case to protect the screen because the dock serves that purpose, etc.
I'm pretty darn excited about it. I think Asus has hit on a very powerful combination.

It's confirmed that Trasnformer has a normal mouse cursor when you attach a mouse. On videos it shows a point instead of cursor when you use trackpad.

Using the Asus Transformer for Business Instead of Netbook

Hello everyone,
So i thought I would go ahead and chime in with my own experiences and observations of the Asus Transformer (AT). I wanted to write an article that might help others trying to make a decision about replacing their laptop with the AT or maybe asking about a one vs the other. I wanted to stay away from a “VS” conversation and talk more about my experience. The long and short of it, is it depends. I think the AT can augment your business and maybe replace a netbook as a travel computer but i still need my laptop/desktop in the office. However, as you will see I am now using fully when out of the office my AT for all business needs and it works just fine.
Assumptions/Reasons for Buying:
So lets start with the reasons for wanting the AT. I wanted to find a solid replacement for my day to day use of my laptop while out of the office. I wear a number of hats one of which is application development, the other is as a Commercial Real Estate Broker. So needless to say this is for my brokerage business as i am pretty confident that there will be no Visual Studio use on the AT, well with the exception of a remote desktop of some kind. So, that all said what was i looking for? (Lets be honest we all want it ALL right but hey we can settle right?)
1. Email, this was first and foremost. A majority of both my businesses are relying on email as a main form of communication to my clients. Well, i didn't really need a tablet for this my phone handles it just fine, but typing anything longer than a paragraph is tedious , i have big hands and its just not the best experience, that said when i am out of the office most of my email replies are very short and so though i wanted/needed a better way to work with email the phone would have sufficed.
2. Document reading/generation: This one was a sticking point as we all know reading pdfs word docs and such is possible and works well on most devices, again the phone would work, but not for generation. I bought Docs to Go for my phone and it made things better but still no way was i going to get a "Word" experience. I know this is a debate by itself Microsoft "shop" vs opensource etc but lets be real, there is still a majority of the business working world that uses and will continue to use Microsoft office and so we just have to comply. (Yes you will service US Microsoft, resistance is futile)
3. Access to my daily files and work: So i also needed access to all my files and work related information. This was more a business choice than anything, putting information into the cloud, but i also had to think about how i was going to access so i am putting it in as a decision factor.
4. Browser media service: I wanted to be able to browse and access media whether at a clients to show them an article or news clipping or maybe a website etc. I also wanted something for reading surfing while having my morning coffee(We can be all work right?)
5. media entertainment Yes it has to be a "Fun" device to, watch a movie while travelling, or playing a game while waiting on my next appointent so this was on the list though not a major factor, as this gets us into an "apps" war and thats not the focus.
OK so there is more but that covers the major items
Decisions:
So I shopped and shopped borrowed friends ipads and a xoom, I really do like android in a lot of ways, it has its problems but I had an Iphone and was ready for a change. I am not going to bore you with the research but needless to say i chose the AT as my device to put this whole notion of Tablet for business to replace my laptop/netbook for work to the test.
REASONS:
1. Keyboard number UNO i wanted the physical keyboard cant live without it for major typing and work related stuffs. I tried the bluetooth one with the ipad and it wasn't bad, but the extra battery power in the AT was a bit of a topper not to mention all the expansions. ( I do think $150 is a bit much, but in the end, its what makes the Transformer a Transformer right?)
2. Expandability: Up to 64gigs of additional memory i can have a card with all my data a card with movies books music etc this was just too good to pass up. Yes i had already figured out a cloud solution etc but lets face it I wanted the kitchen sink with my device. The HDMI and USB were great additions as well. (A note my laptop took a dump one day and I was able to connect my external mouse keyboard to the AT and easily finish the day and deal with my laptop later)
3. Screen: yes as i mentioned it is going to be a bit of a "Play device" so it needed a great display and i liked this one over the xoom though the galaxy tab 10.1 i compared it next to was sweet and it had a keyboard, but the keyboard had no battery and had a lack of other expansion ports.
4. overall performace: this wasnt really to much of decision factor as all tablets are running tegra 2's for the most part and i wasnt looking at an ipad
THE PURCHASE:
I am putting this in because well it was an ordeal. I bought from bestbuy and got their 2 year replacement plan. Well i am on my 4th tablet and 3rd keyboard. Now I will be honest i wanted perfection and as was pointed out in a previous thread that just ain't gonna happen so really the first keyboard and tablet were it but i wanted a perfect no leak screen and a non discharging keyboard so back to the BB i went, again and again and again. Ok so now i have a series 60 tablet with a 50 keyboard and it all works, some light leaks but nothing that is earth shattering and doesn't bother me(Ok well it does but i got over it) So for those of you who think i just keep returning etc till its perfect, um take it from me, each one was worse, the second keyboard the space bar stuck, the 3rd keyboard was great, it does discharge but not a bad as the first. The tablet, on the second the light bleed was worse than the first and the 3rd one had huge dead pixel/flaws in the screen now the fourth some light bleed but in my opinion perfect as perfect can be. Moral of the story read the forums there are people here who are super helpful and will get you set straight but also be practical. If the little things really are going to bug you and you feel the need to come to a forum and write a post of Why i am returning my AT then its not for you, i knew the snowball i created with being picky and i got over it.
ONWARD!!!!!
OK THE SETUP APPLICATIONS AND PREP
1. First thing I did prior to buying anything was setup my business info and stuff to be accessible via the web. This required its own set of decisions which i wont get into, maybe a blog post about it later, but i migrated my stuff to google apps. (Hey i am going android so using google apps everything should all work right? it's all google, well sort of i will address it later)
a. Files and storage, i actually chose a combination of google docs and Microsoft live(25gigs of free storage how could i turn that down) I moved all the necessary files to the cloud and i was set
b. All my email addresses were migrated to my google apps and i was set there
c. Contacts moved to Zoho (I am debating this choice good for a later discussion)
2. Tested everything using my laptop and a web browser it all worked fine. I ran for about two weeks while i was doing more research on Android tablets apps etc, and I didn't have any issues.
3. Applications
a. Polaris Office/Docs To Go: I already had the later and the former comes with the AT so i was pretty much set for tablet handling of office docs. Its not a perfect solution by any means and would i like to have office on my tablet YES, do i need it not really. If i REALLY need to generate a word doc with high end formatting etc or i need that complicated cash flows analysis spreadsheet i can usually wait till i am back in the office in front of my computer. Remember this device is for travel/on the go and for THAT these apps are fine. (I am hoping they fix the keyboard issues with Office 365 because that will be IT and you will have it all)
b. Evernote became my note software, I REALLY miss onenote its my favorite office program but alas Android does not have support for it, mobile noter is not that great so migrated to Evernote. Evernote works well just takes a little bit to get used to as i had to change the way i organized my stuff, its different from onenote. (One thing i miss big time is pen input. I looked at the HTC Flyer because i really wanted to have the pen/OneNote experience. I found that this was one of those compromises. If i was still in school or in a job where i had to take copious notes in meetings, i would probably opt for a Tablet PC Fujitsu Q550 comes to mind so i could use pen input.)
c. With everything migrated to Google apps email was a snap put my google apps account info in and BAM its all there. I had already got Zoho synced with my contacts in Apps so they came down as well.
d. Using a combination of gdocs and the docs apps above is fine, though i really think google needs to "Finish" their products they have a habit of starting something putting it out there then never finishing or refine it. Google apps had a chance but with Office 365 available for a dollar more its gonna have troubles unless they step up their game. (We can have a google apps vs office 365 debate somewhere else)
e. To access my skydrive i use Sorami which is working well. The bad part is that i have to drag the file to the asus work on it here then push/send it, not ideal but it works. Quick note on collaboration, one of my sticking points on gdocs is that in order to collaborate on it and get all the functionality you have to convert it to a gdoc, i am not to keen on this as usually the conversion of complicated word docs with lots of formatting is horrible, hence Office 365 maybe the answer with the ability to use web apps and edit things in the native .DOC format. In any case its fine for on the go, and truthfully i don't know about others but my needs for generating complicated or highly formatted documents when i am away from my computer are pretty low.
f. For ZOHO i am limited to their mobile website they have an ios app now but android development is lagging, as it seems to with a lot of things, however i am hopeful they will come up with a native android app. I am still shopping on the CRM front so we'll see this may be a non-issue
That's the basics of apps i have the file explorers and a few games and other stuff but that's the basis of the business stuff.
HOW HAS IT WORKED
Now we get into the dirt of the article how did using the AT as a replacement for my daily out of office use workout. in a word GREAT but here is the skinny
THE GOOD:
1. Weight, wow being able to carry around my portfolio folder to hold documents etc and my AT was fantastic.
2. Access, i had access to all my documents when i needed them when i wanted them. (Let me clarify I know the AT is Wi-Fi so i tether it to my Nexus S 4G when i am not in range of a Wi-Fi hence my statement i can access everything) Yes its true i had that with just my phone but on the 10" screen with a keyboard i felt like i could really work with them when i needed and i could draft from scratch some pretty nice letters etc.
3. Email, yes i know we all have this with our phones but as i noted my hands are big so typing anything of length on the phone is tough for me, the AT made this a snap, take a few minutes between appointments to dock with my keyboard which is in my trunk not only does the pad get a top up, which it didn't need but hey some extra juice nevver hurts for that extra round of Angry Birds, and i can type up all notes etc.
4. Worth noting i did need to make a change to a .NET app for a client i was no where near a pc and this needed fixing now, i used splash top logged into my pc launched studio and made the change, was it horribly slow yes would i want to try and work that way HELL NO but was my client beyond happy and will i get a ton more business from him cause his problem was addressed right away OH YEAH. So i can do the same with office docs etc its not ideal but dang in a pinch there are work around’s.
THE BAD: (This i boil down to i would have been fine had i had a pc)
1. Well obviously programming, I did like having my laptop and being able to sit in a Pete's or something and work on some projects that had been lagging. So not being able to do my development is a bit of a downer, but its all about compromise right.
2. I mentioned earlier pen input. I REALLY like Onenote and I am an advid pen user, i replaced all the notebooks and post its around my desk with a Wacom Tablet and onenote. I did a tremendous amount of research, and business organization in Onenote, so putting this on the table as a “Compromise” was difficult. I downloaded EverNote and started taking notes via typing, and it wasn't so bad. Hence, my decision to make the switch. Again if Office 365 shapes up the way I think it will, i will be back in OneNote in a heartbeat.
SUMMARY
So for me the AT system will accomplish what i need and i think will only get better as android and apps mature. Email, doc reading editing and file creation, file access ebooks movies on and on the device is fabulous. For those thinking of going this direction, here are some thoughts. I look at my purchase of 700 which includes my 2 year replacement with BB and I compare that to what i can get in the PC world. Well the New Fujitsu Q550 i believe is about 700 and that is a full slate pc with about 6 hours battery has the stylus for writting runs office including one note (onenote + stylus = Heaven) there are a few reviews out there and this seems to be a nice challenge in the pc arena, if you want a PC for your work. The AT is not a pc so you have to adjust your thinking and try not to compare it to a netbook or pc thats why this is more of a "How i went about using the AT" rather than a vs because truthfully its not fair to compare apples to oranges. After making some changes to the way i do business i am able to successfully use the AT as a replacement for my day to day operations OUTSIDE the office i still have my PC and still use it. I think that moving forward online services like office 365 and google apps will level the playing field a bit to make comparing tablets to pcs a little closer but right now there are things that my tablet does that a pc is really hard pressed to do. Grab from my bag push a button read a book surf the net watch a video the list goes on. Maybe the new pc tablets will sleep/hibernate better and the gap will get closer I don't know. I miss some PC functions once in a while and with Tablets PC’s coming out as light as the Q550 I think the landscape is going to change, but take a look at your situation and see whats right for you. You can read “VS” articles all day but those are simply peoples observations/opinions. Take a step back and decide what you want and then mold your world to it.
Thats my experience please feel free to comment if we want to use this thread as a building block of Business “how to's” for getting people to undertand that tablets and pcs can live together it doesnt have to be an either or thats great. Maybe share some uses/apps things you do to leverage your AT in the work world.
The Rahl (Heh)

Why not use Splashtop HD to remote into your PC to do programming?

RTbar said:
Why not use Splashtop HD to remote into your PC to do programming?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He did mention that he did remote desktop to his comp for a quick fix. Its def not ideal, especially for a long time.
If you have your code stored on a Linux box, you could SSH into it and use a terminal-based text edit to do it. Yeah, not the most fun, but it takes less bandwidth/power to do.

i had thought about the linux box but truthfully if i need to program i will grab my laptop. My goal was to use the AT on the business side though i am finding new ways of doing things everyday. Though kind of wondering since i dont NEED an AT shoud i wait on next gen Tegra3. Heh yeah that opens the wholebcan of worms "if i wait ill get the newest and the best" youll never buy anything then butbyou cant help but wonder. Heh I think ifthey had some firm dates on tegra3 i might consider but since there are no firm dates ichosetheAT.

[Q] Livescribe Replacement App

Hello, I got my TF101 yesterday from Bestbuy, I also purchased the dock because what use would it be without lol.
My questions is, is there a way to emulate Livescribe functionality on the Transformer? I have spent the better part of an hour researching and looking but nothing truly fits the bill. Here is what I used and have tested.
Docs To Go. I used this on my OG droid and used it last night in class on my Galaxy Tab 7" with keyboard dock. DTG works well and is my default app.
Kingsoft Office is free and will be what I plan on transitioning to due to its enhanced UI and better features not to mention its free.
Extensive Notes allows me to either record notes or draw, but not both. This is a let down because my Art Appreciation teacher is constantly requiring us to draw examples for our notes.
Handrite Notes is another great app that does gets pretty close to my goal. While typing I am able to draw an image and it will downsize it, place it next in line of text, and allow me to keep typing. The problem here is that I am unable to go back and edit the drawing. If I make a mistake or the teacher goes and changes something I have to redraw everything.
I am ultimately looking for something as close to Livescribe as possible. I don't care if it costs. I want to be able to type my notes, draw on screen for math, art, geography, and record my teacher's lecture. I know this is a mighty bill to fit; however. I have found nothing to fully replace my pen and paper except for a tablet PC.
Perhaps something like OneNote would work?

best way to make tablet more productive ?

i have evernote so i can take notes in class, i have the calendar to schedule appointments but what else can i be using for a business solution ? or just productive in general. i have splashtop HD but how can i move files on my home computer to my tablet ?
what other things do you recommend to make this tablet do some work !

A little research on the forum wouldn't hurt. Have a look at the list of the apps for the Infinity we've been jointly creating.

they are all either for games or for general tablet use, i want specificially named apps that would make the tablet a workstation, or creative ways to use this, not just apps themselves. for example, people shouldnt wait for a 3g model, root your phone and wifi tether your already exsisting data plan.
so far the only office suit ive found for free is kingssuite office , and using BOX from this thread gives 50 free gb of cloud storage http://lifehacker.com/5887769/grab-50gb-of-free-storage-for-life-on-box-by-using-the-android-app other tips are welcome

If you root and own a keyboard dock, you might want to check out setting up a Debian or Ubuntu chroot. Think of it like desktop linux in an application, letting you run software like Libreoffice or Gimp. Since those applications are made for desktop computers and laptops instead of tablets, they're a lot more flexible.
I've got a Debian chroot set up and its pretty sweet. Apps are a little slow to launch, but once they're up they act pretty fast. I'd write a tutorial, but I"m having trouble getting it to cleanly shut down. If you're not afraid to do a little googling, you should be able to set one up for yourself without too much trouble.

Often wondered why I have a tablet
Probably an ages old question...
I know the main reason is because I am a gadgeteer.
I do use the tab for navigation and other home user stuff.
Seeing more and more ipads and android phones used by small business owners.
A coffee hut near us is using a tablet as an order slate and a cash register.
The last time we dined at Chevy's grill they have tabs on the tables for gaming, texting, ordering drinks and cashing out.
As far as personal use for this owner I'm still looking for an application that will make the tab an indispensable item.
Maybe some day a tablet device will help an old-timer like me organize his thoughts :highfive:

Crizthakidd said:
i have evernote so i can take notes in class, i have the calendar to schedule appointments but what else can i be using for a business solution ? or just productive in general. i have splashtop HD but how can i move files on my home computer to my tablet ?
what other things do you recommend to make this tablet do some work !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to agree with everyone else. Google or search the forums. But I will play your game sir...
Airdroid - hands down you have to download today, if you want to move files.
Splashtop is alright, I also like 2X Client
EverNote = yes
Box.net + Browser for Skydrive + Dropbox + Google Drive
Google Chrome
Pocket - read websites at a later time

Team viewer has been the best remote software on my prime and Infinity for work. Much better than splash top, Log me in, etc all have issues where teamviewer has always been super smooth and consistent. Use it from my phone too.

Why I got a tablet
I admit I'm a bit of a gadget junkie, but I got mine for work as much as home. I'm a teacher of sorts. For a couple years now, I've been floating the idea of getting tablets for the instructors, rather than having multiple binders and notebooks (the analog kind) cluttering up a desk or podium.
I've taken all the PowerPoint slides I use for work, typed all the hand-written notes I had in multiple binders into the Notes Page view of PP, and I view them on my Infinity while I teach. I use EZ pdf to view them. While there are multiple apps that view .pdf files -- like Polaris Office, which comes with the Infinity -- EZ pdf allows me to write on them, using my finger or a stylus.
In addition, I've got my work schedule (multiple schedules, actually) in separate Google calendars, and I view them on Business Calendar or Calendar Pad. I keep a ton of notes in OneNote, though I'm thinking of going back to Evernote.
I've got a bunch of reference material and research articles in .pdf format, and I've bought the Kindle versions of several books that we reference. You can't beat having an entire bookcase in the palm of your hand.

Crizthakidd said:
i have evernote so i can take notes in class, i have the calendar to schedule appointments but what else can i be using for a business solution ? or just productive in general. i have splashtop HD but how can i move files on my home computer to my tablet ?
what other things do you recommend to make this tablet do some work !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use google drive (or dropbox) to save your files too, no need to connect to your desktop.
edit: does polaris allow you to show powerpoints through hdmi but show any powerpoint slide notes on the tablet at the same time?

[Q] Is the Nvidia Shield Tablet the right tablet for me?

Greetings,
I have been on the look out for a tablet for quite some time now.
Some background information:
I am currently a University student, and I enjoy power hungry video games like Diablo3 (if you think d3 isn't power hungry, ok. It isn't the point of the thread.)
I owe a gaming pc - Nvidia 660Ti, and a Tablet / Ultrabook Hybrid - Asus Taichi 31.
I live in Malta. (A&T and T-Mobiles are not available, I have yet to contact them wheter they are willing to offer their services from abroad regarding a data plan) (to my knowledge acquired from these forums, there is currently no possible way to integrate voice calling / smsing with the mini sim. The mini sim is only used for data transfer correct?)
I understand barely nothing about android, roms and kernals, I am studying for a pharmacist. What little I know is mostly about desktops from my interest and sources are typically the internet and some local technicians I enjoy chatting with. (if any1 can point me to a good beginner guide, that would be great)
I am currently looking for something that is able to:
replace my phone - just calls and sms. My lack of education on android devices and a very narrow google search lead me to believe there are apps with this ability if you are always connected to an internet connection? which wouldnt be a problem with the LTE/4G?
good alternative for an mp3 player - main issue: buttery life - size doesn't matter because I use bluetooth headphones
use XBMC hub - i think this tablet can easily handle it
take decent quality photos
stream games from long distances (when I am at university example, from my home) - is the only limiting factor the speed of the internet connection? Is it possible to connect the internet via a cable? (ethernet to mini usb converter?)​
My two main priorities are calling/texting and battery life.
I am yet to find a store who has this tablet on display so I can have a feel of the tablet, I do not know if 8'' is ridiculously large to carry around. And I think it also falls within personal preference.
What would you, if in my shoes, get? Should I look for a phablet? I personally find smart phones have a small screen, and the only use I have out of a phone is to text and call, so I would like to have the good out of both ends.
Thank you.

botno4 said:
Greetings,
I have been on the look out for a tablet for quite some time now.
Some background information:
I am currently a University student, and I enjoy power hungry video games like Diablo3 (if you think d3 isn't power hungry, ok. It isn't the point of the thread.)
I owe a gaming pc - Nvidia 660Ti, and a Tablet / Ultrabook Hybrid - Asus Taichi 31.
I live in Malta. (A&T and T-Mobiles are not available, I have yet to contact them wheter they are willing to offer their services from abroad regarding a data plan) (to my knowledge acquired from these forums, there is currently no possible way to integrate voice calling / smsing with the mini sim. The mini sim is only used for data transfer correct?)
I understand barely nothing about android, roms and kernals, I am studying for a pharmacist. What little I know is mostly about desktops from my interest and sources are typically the internet and some local technicians I enjoy chatting with. (if any1 can point me to a good beginner guide, that would be great)
I am currently looking for something that is able to:
replace my phone - just calls and sms. My lack of education on android devices and a very narrow google search lead me to believe there are apps with this ability if you are always connected to an internet connection? which wouldnt be a problem with the LTE/4G?
good alternative for an mp3 player - main issue: buttery life - size doesn't matter because I use bluetooth headphones
use XBMC hub - i think this tablet can easily handle it
take decent quality photos
stream games from long distances (when I am at university example, from my home) - is the only limiting factor the speed of the internet connection? Is it possible to connect the internet via a cable? (ethernet to mini usb converter?)​
My two main priorities are calling/texting and battery life.
I am yet to find a store who has this tablet on display so I can have a feel of the tablet, I do not know if 8'' is ridiculously large to carry around. And I think it also falls within personal preference.
What would you, if in my shoes, get? Should I look for a phablet? I personally find smart phones have a small screen, and the only use I have out of a phone is to text and call, so I would like to have the good out of both ends.
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can meet your needs. You can use Google Voice # and hangouts to make/receive calls. It is a beast at gaming and the nvidia game stream is great, however its huge. In my opinion WAY to big to be used as an everyday phone, and would only allow speak phone calls or through a blue tooth. The call quality is good though.
If you want a tablet I recommend it. However if you want a phone I suggest using a phone.
I would get the tablet then get a Moto G or a Moto E for free and use it as your phone.
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app

OP did say they were in Malta. GV numbers are not available outside the US.

gerrykv said:
OP did say they were in Malta. GV numbers are not available outside the US.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GV is google voice? Yes I live in Malta, and thank you I didn't know that.
Is there any other way possible to have voice call / texting possibilities on this tablet?